Today it was announced that the nonprofit mental health care program in which I completed my

[Skidmore]

internship in graduate school will be closing because of inadequate funding, a direct result of the state budget process this year. This program served hundreds of people with developmental and mental health issues to allow them to live in the community. Other programs providing similar services are in the process of trying to absorb those who will be left without services as a result of this closing even though they are short-staffed and will be experiencing funding cuts too. Also announced was the fact that the county mental health center would be taking a big hit too and will be struggling to maintain services in view of funding shortfalls.

Meanwhile in Des Moines the Governor and the Rs push for a 40% reduction in corporate real estate taxes as a means to encourage development. For right now, people are losing jobs and valuable assistance in life.

[montanacowboy]

1. Encourage Development?

development in what? houses or apartments that no one can afford to buy to rent? My God, what kind of development are they talking about? Jesus this country is going to hell faster than anyone can imagine.

[monmouth]

2. The Developmental Center in Vineland, NJ will be closing also.

Mostly for adults...Who will care for them now? Where will they live? Their parents, if still alive, are elderly. This is just so awful.

[etherealtruth]

3. The way we, as a society, approach/treat mental illness ....

... is an abomination.